International cancer researchers determined that welding smoke is carcinogenic, in a recently published article. According to the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization, welding smoke has so far only been classified as possibly carcinogenic. With the new classification, the scientists adapted the estimation of the risks posed by welding smoke on the basis of new findings from several studies.

Are there definitely risks from welding fumes, if a robot is doing the welding? Many welders ask this question when laser welding. The almost completely automated welding process mainly hides hazards if it is used with additives. A welding fume … >> more

With a gut feeling, courage and of course a set of reliable figures as a basis, in 1977 Gerd Kemper set out on a personal crusade: clean air at the workplace while welding. Something which in the early days appeared alien to his expectations actually turned out to be a vital business field. 40 years after establishing KEMPER GmbH – formed on 17th March 1977 – Gerd Kemper is now looking back on his company and its industry.

Welding with additives containing manganese promotes the occurrence of symptoms that are similar to those of Parkinson’s disease. The higher the manganese content in the welding fumes, the more marked are the symptoms that arise. These are the findings of a recent study.

Are today’s limit values for welding fumes still relevant in their current form? Science and the industrial sector have doubts. KEMPER GmbH argues in favour of measuring the number of particles when evaluating welding fumes concentration. The true health hazard for employees is before the limit is reached – an essay by Björn Kemper.

Welding fumes are not the greatest risk from resistance welding. Magnetic currents created by the welding process pose a far greater threat to the health of employees. Use of suction and filtering technology is therefore advisable, at least with a … >> more

It is deemed a “clean” welding process creating only little welding fumes and is therefore often underestimated: WIG welding. The process harbors health risks which should not be underestimated. Welders are exposed to nitrogen oxides, radioactivity and ozone in particular. … >> more

The danger is in the unseen: Fine dust is a threat to people. Specifically, ultra-fine dust particles constitute a health threat. This finding is becoming more accepted in science and practice and can be applied directly to welding or rather … >> more